News Updates

As the leading civil rights organization in the Grand Canyon State, we at the ACLU of Arizona believe it is our duty to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than a public that is informed and engaged.

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Sep 30, 2019

The county board is shutting the public out as they pick a new county attorney. We’re forcing the door open.

In Arizona, elected county attorneys are the most powerful people in the criminal justice system. As the county’s chief prosecutor, they have the power to decide who goes to prison and for how long. As well...

In Arizona, elected county attorneys are the most powerful people in the criminal justice system. As the county’s chief prosecutor, they have the power to decide who goes to prison and for how long. As well...

Board of supervisors
Board of supervisors
Sep 10, 2019

Arizona’s prisons are in crisis. We need a prisons director who will transform the system.

This week, the Arizona Department of Corrections Director Charles Ryan will formally retire leaving behind a department in turmoil. I spent 13 years in the Arizona prison system and I recently met with...

By Cat Casteñeda

This week, the Arizona Department of Corrections Director Charles Ryan will formally retire leaving behind a department in turmoil. I spent 13 years in the Arizona prison system and I recently met with...

By Cat Casteñeda
Sep 10, 2019

Student Perspective: Here's Why Counselors on Campus Are Important

Education Equity

Times are changing and the pressure society has placed upon the youth has only grown. Many of our classmates feel like the weight of the world has been placed on our shoulders. While we’re seeing...

By Lupe and Angel

Times are changing and the pressure society has placed upon the youth has only grown. Many of our classmates feel like the weight of the world has been placed on our shoulders. While we’re seeing...

By Lupe and Angel
Jun 12, 2019

Once Again County Attorneys Try to Silence Free Speech

Criminal Justice Reform

In a brazen display of unchecked power and influence, Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk censored a public defender by keeping him from sharing with Arizonans how much influence she and her fellow county...

In a brazen display of unchecked power and influence, Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk censored a public defender by keeping him from sharing with Arizonans how much influence she and her fellow county...

sheila polk wants to keep voters in the dark
sheila polk wants to keep voters in the dark
Jun 4, 2019

What Just Happened: The 54th Arizona Legislature

Education Equity

The 54th Arizona legislature adjourned in the early hours of May 28, 2019 – let’s recap some of the most important bills that the ACLU of Arizona supported and spoke out against.

The 54th Arizona legislature adjourned in the early hours of May 28, 2019 – let’s recap some of the most important bills that the ACLU of Arizona supported and spoke out against.

arizona state capitol
arizona state capitol
May 29, 2019

A Letter from Perryville Prison

Criminal Justice Reform

The ACLU of Arizona has verified this anonymous letter was written inside Perryville Women’s Prison. The letter was written in honor of Marcia Powell, who died inside Perryville ten years ago this month....

The ACLU of Arizona has verified this anonymous letter was written inside Perryville Women’s Prison. The letter was written in honor of Marcia Powell, who died inside Perryville ten years ago this month....